Whether you are an Ironman in training or more of a Muscleman honing that summer physique down the gym, chances are that you will rely on some good old banging tunes to help you get through those grueling workout sessions. With literally tones of headphone manufacturers constantly bringing out new headphone releases that seem to be stacked with a never-ending series of innovative features, where do you even start?

Let’s face it, probably all you’re really worried about is not tripping up over your wire. You’ve got your shoelaces for that privilege! What you go for will in part be determined by your budget but also by your main workout activity. There’s nothing more annoying than running and constantly having to pop your headphones back into your ear when they’ve pinged out for literally like the 100th time. Worse still, you’re on that dreaded “long run” and you’ve got 10 miles in only to realize that you didn’t charge your batteries and now you really are running solo, all by yourself, billy no mates and no tunes, for the final furlong back home.

You can also get some seriously high tech, multi-functional headphones these days too that as well as serving up an auditory delight will also monitor your heart rate. Guys love gadgets and gear, so investing in the right ear candy is serious business. Step forward our review of the best workout headphones around whether your cycling, hiking, running or pumping iron.

The Best Workout Headphone

1

Bose Soundsport Bluetooth Workout Headphones

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You know with Bose, you’ll be getting quality right? First up these look stylish as you would expect from this revered brand. Soundsport Bluetooth Workout Headphones are sleek, neat and also very discreet. Engineered, so they say, “to push you forward, not hold you back”. We like that! It’s a well-established fact that running or working out to music can really help to enhance your performance. With these in ear headphones you are getting a fabulous high-quality experience with perfectly balanced EQ audio no matter how high you are blasting out those tunes. More importantly for the runners amongst you, they feature exclusive StayHear+ tips which sit perfectly in your ear! Clever technology but also incredibly comfortable to wear. A great choice in our best workout headphones guide if quality and comfort are important to you.

Key Features:

Perfectly balanced EQ audio

Wireless with voice prompted Bluetooth and NFC pairing

Stay Hear+ tips for comfort and staying power

Sweat and weather resistant

6 hours’ battery life

Comes with USB charging cable and carry case

Specification:

BrandBose

Model761529-0010

Weight0.8 ounces

2

Jaybird X3 Bluetooth Sports Workout Headphones

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Could the earbuds be any smaller? Probably not no! But the Jaybird X3 is the ultimate in discreet in ear technology whilst still delivering BIG on sound. They fit securely and snugly meaning you can concentrate on your workout and not be worrying about your earbuds popping out. No excuses not to go that extra mile or bench press a new personal best. They’ve also been designed so that they fit under a helmet too so they are a great choice for cyclists. They come with a special anti-moisture coating meaning that you can use them in all weather conditions so no fair weather exercise excuses either please! Come rain or shine, these wireless headphones won’t let you down. Download the Jaybird app and you can also create your own customizable playlists. These really are the ultimate in customizable fit and function.

Key Features:

Mini wireless in ear buds

Sweat proof and moisture resistant

8 hours’ battery life

Just 15mins charge provides 1-hour of audio

MySound app for personalised playlists

Specification:

BrandJaybird

Model985-000580

Weight0.48 ounces

3

Aukey Latitude Bluetooth Workout Headphones

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If you are new to exercise so not yet sure how committed you’re going to be then perhaps investing in a top end pair of wireless headphones might not be the wisest decision just yet. Something like the Aukey Latitude could then be a great option with all the features and functionality you’ll need but at a budget friendly entry price point. You actually get a lot of bang for your buck with these Bluetooth babies that deliver a rich, pure CD-quality sound with fully adaptable EQ settings allowing you to choose whether you want to go for a treble, bass or vocal experience. The ear tips also feature noise isolation and are protected with a coating that shields against moisture caused by sweat and rain. Another neat little feature is that these headphones magnetically hold together around your neck when you don’t have them in your ears. Now that is neat. Make sure you also check our guide to the best hearing protectors.

Key Features:

Choice of 3 EQ sounds

8 hours of music or 240 hours of standby time from a single 1.5-hour charge

Water resistant

Magnetic earbud fasten feature

USB Cable, 3 tips and hooks and carrying pouch included

Specification:

BrandAUKEY

ModelEP-B40-US

Weight0.48 ounces

4

Jabra Elite Wireless Earbuds

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Seriously minimalist in design, these take compact connectivity to a whole new level and as the name suggests, Jabra Elite Wireless Earbuds really do deliver an elite experience. If you’re not yet a pro athlete performance wise, then you will certainly feel like one with these Jabra earbuds in your lugholes! These are super comfortable but also will securely stay in place no matter how hard you are pounding the pavement. Wear them both or you could just wear one if you need to keep one ear open, on high alert.

Whilst they still deliver a great 4.5 hours of music time which should be ample for most of your active pursuits, the charging case delivers an additional 9 hours of battery life. They’re customisable too and come with 3 different sizes EarWings (S,M,L) so even if you have big old flapping ears like Dumbo, don’t worry, they’ve got you covered. With the built-in heart rate monitor and an integrated fitness app included, these wireless earbuds really are the Don when it comes to delivering serious sound and performance.

Key Features:

4.5 hours talk/music time for earbuds

Charging case adds an additional 9 hours’ battery life

Waterproof and sweat proof

Comfortable completely cord free fit

Complete with heart rate monitor and fitness analyser

3 sized ear-wings to fit all ears

Specification:

BrandJabra

Model100-98600001-02

Weight2.88 ounces

5

Plantronics Backbeat Pro Wireless Earphones

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If you want the convenience of wireless but prefer the old school look and feel of over the head style headphones then these Plantronics Backbeat’s are proper pro. Providing you with up to 24 hours of continuous wireless streaming these headphones definitely won’t let you down. They also feature a handy DeepSleep mode which will put your headphones into hibernation further extending their overall battery life. Deep sleep you said? Hibernation? Live longer? Sounds good. Wonder why we humans can’t switch to that mode? They also feature active noise cancellation which is a great option if you want to have a truly immersive experience; whether that’s whilst you’re exercising or watching a movie even, particularly handy if you are on a long flight.

Key Features:

24 hours continuous wireless streaming

Automatic play/pause function

Deep Sleep hibernation mode

100 metre Bluetooth range

Active Noise Cancellation

Specification:

BrandPlantronics

Model200470-41

Weight0.8 ounces

6

Sony MDRXB80BS/B Wireless Sports Headphones

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Next up let’s take a look at what super brand Sony has to offer when it comes to wireless headphone technology. Specifically designed with you sporty types in mind, MDRXB80BS/B Wireless Sports Headphones deliver a premium, quality audio experience and are the perfect addition to your workout routine. Comfortable and convenient to wear you have two options – the Easy Fit in ear option for when you’re generally out and about or the Secure Fit Loop style for when you’re getting down and dirty at the gym. The earbuds stay securely planted where they should be. In your ears! That’s why they come with four different size hybrid silicone earbuds and three conveniently sized arc supporters because as we all know, yup, size really does matter.

Key Features:

Two way wearing style

Up to 7 hours’ battery life

Splash proof rain and sweat resistant

Built in microphone for remote hands free calling

Precision in ear fit

Comes with carrying pouch, cable adjuster and clip

Specification:

BrandSony

ModelMDRXB80BS/B

Weight8.2 ounces

7

V-Moda Zn Audiophile Headphones

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V-Moda Zn Audiophile Headphones my friends, are pretty special. Limited edition no less with a real touch of luxury, elegance and top notch Italian design. These aren’t for amateurs. These are for those amongst you who take their sound and their personal pursuits seriously. They come from the power house that is V-Moda who’ve won no less than 24 editor’s choice awards already. Their top notch features make these headphones a serious contender in terms of unrivalled features. We’re talking precise unbeatable sound, patented design technology and supreme durability with nothing less than Kevlar re-enforced cables featuring in these wireless headphones. We might be a little in love.

Key Features:

Limited edition, stylish Italian design

Zinc (Zn) metal alloy housing

Top audiophile acoustic filters

8 pairs of BLISS 3.0 fittings in XS, S and preinstalled with M and L sizes

1 pair of Active Flex sport ear hooks

Tested beyond military level quality

Specification:

BrandV-MODA

ModelZN3BNERO

Weight4 ounces

8

Lifebeam Vi Bluetooth Headphones

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So, Lifebeam Vi aren’t so much headphones, they’re more like having your own personal trainer motivating you as you undergo the rigours of your workout. It’s almost like you have four products here in one. Featuring the first ever AI in ear personal trainer you can get real time tips to help you optimize your workout and keep on track of your progress. That’s because the headphones are fitted with biosensors that can track not only your heart rate but also your motion and elevation too. Does all the advanced technology mean that the sound is compromised though? Not at all. Featuring Harmon Kardon powered sound you get a crisp, clear audio experience but with a fully customisable fitness app that will really have you smashing all your workout goals.

Key Features:

Built-In fitness tracker and heart rate monitor

Personalized audio workout function offering motivation tips

First ever headphone to feature AI technology

Superior Harman Kardon sound

Voice control activation

Specification:

BrandLifeBEAM

ModelLBVI001

Weight1.19 pounds

9

Sennheiser PMX 684o Fitness Headphones

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Back on budget these Sennheiser PMX 684o Fitness Headphones combine superior sound delivery with extreme versatility and are perfect for all kinds of pursuits including biking, running, skating, hiking or gym workouts. They are light weight but still fit securely in your ear plus they have a handy neckband too for additional staying power whilst you get really active. With a smart remote for microphone and volume control, these are a great pair of on the go in ear headphones that represent fantastic value for money for any discerning athlete. Make sure you also check our guide to the best open back headphones.

Key Features:

Superb quality sound experience

Ultra-light-weight but still secure

Sweat and water resistant

Smart remote for microphone and volume control

Feature noise isolating technology

Specification:

BrandSennheiser

Model4330303391

Weight6.2 ounces

10

Beats by Dr Dre Powerbeats Wireless

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Last but by no means least, you can’t write a review about headphones without give a pair of Dr.Dre’s a mention. With a fantastic twelve hours of battery life and fast fuel option that gives you a whole hour of playback with just a small five-minute charge, these are a great option for anyone serious about music and serious about working out. These give you incredible wireless power and first class Bluetooth connectivity for a power packed workout experience. Our selection of the best bone conduction headphones offers more great products like this so check it out.